With Are Media coming on board as principal sponsor of the B&T Women in Media Awards for the sixth consecutive year, we’re celebrating the company’s unwavering support in a bit of different way.
‘A Letter to My Younger Self’ is a mini-series featuring three of Are Media’s senior female leaders who have each put pen to paper (or fingers to keys) and written an actual letter to … yep, you guessed it … their younger selves.
Each of these fabulous women reflect on what they wish they had been told back then – think life and career advice, lessons to be learnt, challenges and opportunities to be prepared for, et cetera.
We hope these letters will not only provide an insight into how each of them have grown to become the trailblazing females they are today, but also offer advice and guidance for young women starting out in the media industry.
First up is Erin Holohan, editor of Woman’s Day…
Dear Erin,
Right now you’re probably worrying about … well, anything you can think of. Worrying in is your DNA. It’s a skill you’ve honed over the years and trust me, by the time you get into early adulthood, you’ll have fine-tuned those anxious thoughts and turned fretting into a real art form! I know, you can’t help it. But promise me you’ll try and put those thoughts aside, even if it’s just from time to time? Sure, you’ll never be a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl (how do those people do it?), but if you can, do your best to just enjoy the ride. You’ll be so much happier and let’s face it you’ve got a decent head on your shoulders. Trust your gut, it’s pretty good (except when it comes to onion, that really doesn’t agree with you and you should ditch it now!).
Years down the track, someone will challenge your worries. They’ll ask you why you insist on thinking about the worst-case scenario and they’ll put something to you: if you stopped worrying about things you can’t control, would the outcome change? It’s something to think about. So much of what will happen to you in life will be out of your hands, but things turn out alright, if I don’t say so myself. Yes, you will fall, and once or twice that fall will be quite spectacular. It will feel like things won’t get better but take comfort in knowing that the amazing people you have by your side now – and quite a few other incredible friends you’ll meet along the way – will be there to pick you up and help you through.
When it comes to work, well, it all works out. Don’t stress about finding the perfect job straight out of school or university – trust me, most people who know exactly what they want to do end up changing their minds at some point. And you know what, that’s completely fine! You’ll find something you love doing, and I mean really love doing. It’ll be fun and fulfilling and by trusting yourself and knowing your worth, you’ll be able to keep feeling challenged and have fun. It’s not the be all and end all, but work is important, and if it doesn’t make you happy, don’t do it.
Now, for the fun stuff…
Don’t feel guilty about all the trips you’ll want to take. One day you won’t be able to travel and you’ll be glad you took every opportunity to jump on a plane and get going.
Please don’t stress so much about wearing the “right” thing. Years down the track, when you take a look at photos of nights out with friends and weekends away, you’ll only think about just how much fun you were having. That said, a word of advice … belts don’t suit you and you’ll never regret buying a little black dress. It will be your go to for years to come – so go on, buy it!
And finally, being Posh Spice in the playground dance-off isn’t so bad. Sure, everyone wants to be Sporty or Baby, but trust me, one day you’ll kill for your bob to look just like Victoria’s. And you should see her now – Mrs Beckham did alright!
Stress less and trust yourself,
Erin x
Given the current lockdown situation in Sydney, we’ve decided to play it safe and take this year’s WIM Awards, presented by Are Media, into a virtual arena.
The event will still be held on the same date (Friday 27 August at 4pm AEST), and we’ll still be bringing the same glitz and glam you’re all accustomed to. Register HERE now to secure your spot!
And, just in case you missed it, we’ve released the WIM Awards shortlist! Check out which fabulous females made the cut HERE.
If you’d like more information about this year’s WIM Awards, head to the website.
Thank you to Are Media and the rest of our incredible sponsors for making the event possible!
